Vibrant homegrown retail makes a splash at Longkloof, Growthpoint’s reimagined heritage-led mixed-use precinct

Growthpoint Properties (JSE: GRT) has creates a vibrant retail heart at its recently reimagined Longkloof precinct in Cape Town. Curated with a handpicked selection of homegrown brands and independent retailers, the mixed-use precinct brings together restaurants, boutique retail, workplaces and hospitality around the inviting Longkloof Square, emerging as one of the city centre’s most distinctive, character-rich destinations. Longkloof offers a fresh, effortlessly local spot to explore, linger and enjoy.

The redevelopment of the award-winning Longkloof precinct demonstrates Growthpoint’s ongoing commitment to urban renewal and investment in Cape Town’s city centre. The multi-year redevelopment began in 2019 and has transformed a cluster of historic buildings — including a former school and industrial structures — together with a parking lot into a uniquely vibrant, mixed-use destination that blends heritage architecture with contemporary urban design. Already home to leading office tenants such as Travelstart, Mushroom Media and Workshop17, Canopy by Hilton Cape Town Longkloof hotel and its restaurant, Bertus Basson’s Ongetem, have already become firm favourites in the city.

At the precinct’s centre lies Longkloof Square, encircled by signature retail, which completes a precinct designed to appeal to residents, visitors, office workers and the local community alike.

A curated retail mix

Growthpoint deliberately sought out local, distinctive brands to shape the retail offering, placing emphasis on originality, sustainability and community. The flagship anchors are Café Sofi by Tasha’s – the first of its kind in South Africa – and The Siba Co., the culinary venture of award-winning chef Siba Mtongana that blends African flavours with contemporary dining.

Other tenants bring equally distinctive offerings. Sindiso Khumalo, the internationally acclaimed sustainable fashion designer, has chosen Longkloof for her first physical shop after building a global online presence. Hope Distillery, Cape Town’s first artisanal gin distillery, is debuted a tasting room, while Rowdy International opened its first brick-and-mortar store showcasing its ethically produced leather bags. Paulines Coffee Shop adds a speciality coffee destination to the mix, and Ballo Eyewear offers its range of frames made from recycled materials. Additional local names include Hoghouse, celebrated for its wood-fired artisanal food; Rosey & Vittori, offering contemporary fashion; and Ogun Outfitters, a lifestyle brand rooted in South African identity.

“From the outset, we were determined that the Longkloof retail mix should be a genuine reflection of local creativity and culture,” says Wouter de Vos, Growthpoint’s Regional Head: Western Cape. “By partnering with independent, homegrown brands that each bring something unique, we’ve created a boutique retail environment that is as distinctive as the precinct’s heritage setting. Longkloof Square is designed to be a meeting point for the community, where food, fashion and creativity come together.”

Connecting the precinct

Longkloof Square’s landscaped public space connects the precinct to the surrounding city via multiple access points, and its retailers spill out from the square, fronting onto Park Road and Summit Lane, activating the public realm and creating a natural flow between offices, the hotel and the wider neighbourhood. Each shopfront is designed to express the identity of its occupant through individualised treatments such as timber finishes and varying window styles, complementing the red-brick façades and industrial character of the precinct.

Beyond bricks and mortar, retail is seen as a key driver of connection and community at Longkloof. A flexible, lively events space, Longkloof Square has capacity to host pop-up markets, fashion showcases, concerts, open-air cinema screenings and even weddings, complete with its on-site hotel for overnight stays. The expansion of popular First Thursdays Cape Town into Longkloof further highlights the precinct’s role as a cultural and social hub.

Integrated planning

The opening of the retail follows Growthpoint’s strategic approach of developing Longkloof as a single, integrated precinct, bringing to life the vision for an authentic, artfully designed mixed-use destination that blends well-managed public and private space seamlessly.

Careful operational planning ensures that security, safety and services are centralised, with a single control room overseeing surveillance, intercoms, fire alarms and parking systems. A connected security team, with guards identifiable by precinct uniforms, is strategically located throughout the site.

Hard and soft landscaping have been carefully coordinated to enhance both functionality and atmosphere, with outdoor courtyards and landscaped spaces designed to be as engaging as the interiors. Elements such as wayfinding, lighting and activation all contribute to creating a sense of coherence, safety and vibrancy across the precinct.

“From the outset, our vision for Longkloof was to transform four separate buildings into a seamlessly integrated precinct, and that’s exactly what we’ve achieved,” says Timothy Irvine, Growthpoint Properties Head of Asset Management: Offices. “Through thoughtful planning and investment, we’ve created an environment where every element – from security to landscaping – works together to deliver a safe, welcoming and connected urban destination.”

A landmark in Cape Town’s renewal

The Longkloof Precinct is a multifaceted urban gem that blends heritage preservation with modern functionality and entrepreneurial energy. It reflects both Growthpoint’s investment in Cape Town and the resilience of the city’s property and retail markets.

“We are extremely proud of what has been achieved at Longkloof,” adds Irvine. “This is more than a development – it’s a statement of confidence in Cape Town and its future. By reimagining a historic precinct into a lively, relevant destination, we’ve created a place that has value, identity and relevance for years to come.”

In October 2025, Growthpoint acquired another property adjacent to Longkloof Studios, further reinforcing its long-term precinct development strategy.